Malaysia renews commitment to Bangsamoro peace

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process following the renewed commitment demonstrated by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which are slated to meet next month in Kuala Lumpur, to the peace pact they signed 12 years ago.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Panglima Ts. Haji Zulkifli bin Zainal Abidin, the Malaysian facilitator, made the pronouncement following the Aug. 4 meeting between the GPH and MILF peace implementing panels (PIPs) in Davao City after a five-month hiatus.

“Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Bangsamoro peace process in our capacity as the third-party facilitator,” the Malaysian facilitator said in a statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

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He added: “Our role has always been guided by neutrality and our sincere desire to assist both parties in achieving a comprehensive, just and durable peace.”

Abidin described the resumption of meetings between the GPH and MILF PIPs as an important step toward sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.

Technical group

During the Aug. 4 meeting, the parties agreed to hold a “special meeting” in Kuala Lumpur, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 25 and directed the Technical Working Group on the Roadmap Development for the Implementation of the CAB to “prepare the presentation of its terms of reference to the Panels during the Special Meeting.”

Abidin urged both panels “to maintain an environment of mutual trust, compromise and shared purpose to preserve the hard-won progress for future generations.”

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“Let us remain focused on the shared objective of fulfilling the commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and ensuring that the gains achieved over the past years are preserved for future generations,” he said.

READ: Marcos reaffirms support for Bangsamoro peace process

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The GPH and MILF peace panels also signed the “Declaration of Continuity of the Partnership between the GPH and the MILF in the Implementation of the CAB” during their recent meeting.

“Twelve (12) years after the signing of the CAB, the Parties recognize the substantial gains achieved through its implementation, while acknowledging that important commitments remain to be completed,” the declaration stated.

It added: “The Parties reaffirm that these remaining obligations shall continue to be pursued jointly in a parallel and commensurate manner and in accordance with the CAB and its established implementation arrangements.”

The peace panels said the parties reaffirmed the CAB as their shared understanding and commitment to each other, the Bangsamoro people and the entire Filipino nation, as well as the framework governing the implementation of all their signed agreements.

Abidin noted that the Mindanao peace process had never been an easy journey, requiring perseverance, patience, political will and trust from all stakeholders.

“Throughout its implementation, the parties have encountered numerous challenges, delays, and changing political realities. Yet, despite these obstacles, the process has continued to endure because of the unwavering commitment demonstrated by both the Government of the Philippines and the MILF,” he said. /cb